Cyprus President Christodoulides urges UN, EU support for Cyprus talks and backs Western Balkan EU integration

President Nicos Christodoulides said he hopes that the "upgraded interest of the UN Secretary‑General and the European Union will lead to positive results, opening the way for substantive negotiations and resolution of the Cyprus issue." He looked forward to a meeting with EU official Ms Olkin following the UN Secretary‑General’s recent visit to Turkey and talks with President Erdogan.

Christodoulides also highlighted Cyprus’s work under its EU Council presidency, noting the creation of an ad‑hoc group to draft a accession treaty for Montenegro, ongoing work on Albania’s accession chapters, and the Council’s decision to start integrating the Western Balkans into the EU area of freedom, security and justice. He stressed that Cyprus, as chair of the Council, is acting as a pillar of security and stability in the region and is strengthening the country’s diplomatic footprint, economy, reforms and defence capabilities.